The Best Butane Torch Reviews & Guide for 2018

by Jacob Hanson - Last updated on: February 13, 2017

Butane torches are a surprisingly versatile tool that anyone can use. They’re small and compact and completely portable. You can use them to solder jewelry, melt frozen pipes, light a cigar, or even make a creme brulee. Once you have one, you will constantly be finding ways to use it all around your house.

Before you invest in a butane torch, you need to figure out what you want to use it for. There are a surprising amount of options available. We compiled a list of some of our favorites for you to consider if you’re thinking of buying one.

In a Rush?

Of the ten we reviewed, here are 3 you may be interested in:

Blazer GT8000 – Our favourite of the bunch. On the pricier end at around 70 bucks, but we think it is worth it as it has the biggest flame with a big tank to go with it. Users also highly rate this model with it being a top seller.

Dremel 2200-01 – If you’re looking for value, the Dremel is your best bet. With a recognised name in the DIY industry and decent user feedback, it is sure to get the job done.

SE MT3001 – If you are on a budget, or maybe you are not planning on using a torch much, then this is an option for you. The feedback is overall pretty good, but it is recommended for smaller jobs.

Best Butane Torches Compared

These are our top picks for butane torches. We made sure to choose a range from cheap, to high end to suit all budgets. Compare using the table below and read the review on each model to help you choose.

The Bad: no quick start, needs two hands to start, federal regulations state it is not for home use

The GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch from Blazer has a 35 minute burn time when used on the maximum setting. The precise flame is controlled by the gas flow dial for a flame that ranges from 1.25 to 5 inches and it’s brass nozzle lets it get into small spaces. It has a detachable base and can be turned and used upside down without affecting the flame. It’s a small but powerful tool that will easily fit into your toolbox.

Most users report few problems with it, but some people have complained that it begins to leak after several months of use. You need two hands to start it, it doesn’t have a quick start function. But it does come with a detachable base that allows you to use it hands free if you need to.

This is the best overall torch on our list. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s very versatile and precise. It requires no electrical connection, so it’s 100% portable. This is also the only torch that isn’t recommended for home use.

This torch is suited for a lot of different jobs, but it’s a little expensive for someone who is only going to use it occasionally. It’s also not meant to be used in the home, per federal regulations, so this is an ideal torch for professional or industrial workplaces.

The Big Shot Butane Torch won’t burn as long as some of the other options on our list, but it’s one of the most durable and reliable choices, which is why it’s the best one overall.

The Bad: made of plastic, will not withstand any hard falls, ignition system can be unreliable, only holds a small amount of butane

SE’s MT3001 Deluxe Butane Power Torch with Built in Ignition System gets up to 2400 degrees F and can burn for 60 minutes. It has a built in ignition system to make lighting it easier. This torch is relatively safe. Thanks to its thumb release lock, it’s safe to use in a home with small children. It’s small and portable and we consider it the best value.

This torch is made out of plastic so it’s not exceptionally durable. It can tolerate small falls, but it probably should not be carried around in a toolbox or bag with other heavier tools because there’s a chance it could get damaged. The built in ignition system can be unreliable as well.

This is an ideal torch to use for projects or hobbies around the house, like jewelry making or in the kitchen and can handle some basic soldering. It is not cut out for heavier use in a professional setting.

This is the least expensive option on the list and the quality leaves a little to be desired, but for the lo price you’re paying for it, it wouldn’t be expensive to replace.

3. Power Probe MTKIT01 Micro Torch Kit

The Good: kits includes case and accessories, long burn time, electronic igniter

The Bad: electronic lighter unreliable, tips can be difficult to attach, known to leak

The Power Probe MTKIT01 Torch Kit has an impressive burn time of up to 2 hours at 2500 degrees. You can get a 0.5 to 2.5 inch flame with this torch. It comes with several soldering tips and a case to keep the everything together. It’s great for soldering, loosening rusted nuts and bolts, shrink wrapping, and any other job you can think of.

The accessories included are a blower tip, heat shrink adapter shield, hot knife, soldering tip, solder attachment, and rosin core solder. Sometimes the tips can be difficult to attach. The electronic lighter is unreliable at times, and it can leak fuel.

This option is a little more expensive than some other entries on this list, but keep in mind you’re getting an entire kit so you won’t have to buy a lot of things separately. It also costs about the same amount as some of the more higher end torches here and, again, you’re also getting a lot of extras.

This is a great torch for using around the house for small projects, jewelry making, and in the kitchen. It’s probably not the best choice for larger, professional tasks.

This is a great kit to get started with. Of all the kits on our list, this one offers the best accessories.

4. Blazer GB2001

The Bad: igniter unreliable, adjustment knob breaks easily, smaller flame and less powerful than the GT8000

The Blazer GB2001 Self-Igniting Butane Micro Torch is a small torch with an exceptionally long burn time of 1.5 to 2 hours. It has a precise flame that is ideal for a variety of applications, including plumbing, soldering, jewelry making, culinary, and automotive. It has an adjustable knob to control the flame and a tabletop stand so you can use it hands free if you wish. The rubber finish gives it a nice grip and makes it comfortable to hold and use.

The igniter can be unreliable at times and it may need to be lit manually with a lighter or match. The adjuster knob can also stop working, making it difficult to control the flame. The rubberized grip is a great feature, it enhances the durability of the torch and makes it easier and more comfortable to hold.

This torch is a little on the pricier end of things, but it’s a good investment if you’re someone who is going to use it frequently.

It’s a good torch for any use, but it’s especially suited for finer applications, like soldering jewelry or caramelizing sugars in the kitchen because it’s small and portable. The small flame also makes it perfectly suited for these kinds of applications.

The long burn time on this torch makes it one of the more impressive choices. If you’re looking for something that will let you work uninterrupted for a long time, this might be one worth checking out.

The Bad: ignition has been unreliable for some, been known to leak after heavy use.

With a 75 minute burn time, the Dremel 2200-01 Versa Flame Multi-Function Butane Torch is a versatile tool. It comes with an integrated ignition button for easy lighting and a temperature and flame control. The detachable base makes it easy to use hands free. It has a nine piece kit that includes a blower, deflector, flame diffuser, soldering tip, solder, sponge, tins, and wrenches. Just change the tip and you’re ready for another job.

The ignition is a little unreliable and you will need to use a lighter to get the flame going occasionally. It also has a tendency to leak after months of heavy use. It comes with a two year warranty so if anything goes wrong, it should be easy to get it taken care of.

This is a great price for everything that you get, even when compared to other kits on this list. It’s a versatile, portable tool that is definitely worth the reasonable price.

This torch has a lot of applications and they include tips provide you with everything you’ll need to so soldering, pipe fitting, jewelry making, and even making dessert in the kitchen. The continuous flame lock makes it perfect for a lot of jobs and the safety lock makes it a great option for use in a home with kids.

The Bad: Few concerns that it leaks, some users found it difficult to refill

The ProTorch Micro Butane Torch has a sturdy metal construction that’s designed for one handed use. The ergonomic rubberized non-slip handle makes it comfortable to hold. It has a precise flame with a 2 hour burn time and a push start igniter. It has a solid base so you can put it down and use it hands free and a durable ceramic tip.

This torch is in the middle of the price range for the options on this list, but a little expensive considering some other torches that are priced similarly also come with accessories.

This torch is difficult to fill and has a tendency to leak. The controls are designed so this torch can be used one handed, but they can sometimes be unreliable. The metal design and rubberized grip make it really durable, and it comes with a replacement warranty so if something goes wrong, you can get another one.

This torch is great for artists, chefs, mechanics, or anyone who wants to use it around the house. It’s good for some professional applications as well because the ergonomic design lets you use it for longer jobs while still being comfortable.

Of all the torches we’re reviewing, this one is the most comfortable to hold and use. You can’t beat it’s rubberized, ergonomic design.

7. Power Probe MT Micro Torch

The Bad: Many users complained about the igniter being unreliable and also found it difficult to refill.

The MT Micro Torch from Power Pro has an adjustable flame of 0.5 to 1.25 inches. It comes with a blower tip, heat shrink adapter with shield, soldering tip, solder attachment, heat blower tip, and a tube of Rosin Core Solder. Also included is a case so you can keep everything together. There’s also a detachable stand so you can use it hands free.

This is a pretty solid torch. The igniter is a bit unreliable sometimes and it’s a little hard to fill with fuel, but generally it will last a long time and get the job done.

It’s ideal for small jobs because the flame is relatively small. It also really portable as it has the carrying case to hold it and all it’s accessories, so it can be used anywhere.

This is another kit that has a nice variety of attachments and accessories. The carrying case helps with portability and lets you use it for a variety of jobs.

8. Flame Forte Heavy Duty Micro Blow Torch

The Good: flame lock, long nozzle, safety lock, adjustable flame and temperature control

The Bad: there has been comments about temperature irregularities and inconsistent performance with the flame.

This Heavy Duty Micro Blow Torch has a 60 minute burn time at up to 2600 degrees F. It has a flame lock so the flame will constantly stay on to make work a little easier. It also has a safety lock for more control. The removable stand allows you to use it hands free and the extra long nozzle provides a powerful flame.

The temperature sometimes doesn’t get to the max of 2600 degrees F and some inconsistencies occur with this torch. Sometimes, it works perfectly as it’s designed to and others, it won’t light or the flame will die out. It does come with a warranty, though, so it’s worth it to take your chances.

This is a really reasonably priced option, even taking into consideration the fact that it does not come with any accessories. Once you buy those, the total cost will be close to what the kits are selling for. The extra long nozzle will provide you with a longer, safer flame. The user has a lot of control over this torch.

This is a good choice for jobs at home or professionals. It’s comfortable and easy to manage, so anyone can use it and the quality is high enough that it is the ideal tool for anyone. It’s great for plumbing, arts and crafts, cooking, jewelry making, etc.

The Heavy Duty Micro Blow Torch is durable enough to use for larger jobs but is also easy enough to use that an amateur will love it.

This Micro Flame Butane Torch Kit from Berns-O-Matic is made or fine, precision work. It has three different settings: fine soldering, hot air blower, and pinpoint flame. The electric ignition makes it easy to light and the flame control knob makes it easy to adjust the flame to tailor to your needs.

The soldering tips don’t tend to last very long and sometimes it’s difficult to get a replacement from the manufacturer. Somes users complain that the the electric ignition is unreliable and the safety mechanism has to be moved every time you try to light it, so it can get a little cumbersome if it doesn’t work like it’s supposed to.

It’s moderately priced and about average for the ones that appear on this list. You can use it for a variety of purposes and it allows for a lot of control from the user.

This is good for smaller, fine work like jewelry repairs, fine soldering, crafting, and in the kitchen but isn’t the best choice for bigger industrial jobs.

Compared to other options on this list, the Bernz-O-Matic is about the same in most respects, but the manufacturer is difficult to get in touch with at times. If you need anything after purchase, you might not be able to rely on them to provide it.

10. Master Appliance MT-70

Quick LookCloser look

2500 degree F maximum

60 minute burn time

Self igniting

Adjustable flame

Built in stand

The Good: self igniting, adjustable flame, inexpensive

The Bad: low quality, leaks, unreliable

Master Appliance’s MT-70 Palm Sized Trigger Torch is a small, handheld butane torch with a 60 minute burn time. It has a small build in stand and an adjustable flame. It’s self-igniting and has a gas adjustment wheel to change the intensity of the flame.

This is a low quality torch that isn’t build to last a really long time. It’s been known to leak and the self ignition is spotty at best.

It’s also one of the least expensive options on our list and a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a tool they might only use a handful of time.

This isn’t a torch you’d want to use if you are a professional and depending on your torch to complete a difficult job. But, this can be a nice little torch to use for jobs around the house. It can light a grill or a cigar, melt plastic, or solder. This is a good option for a “starter” butane torch, a good one to buy if you aren’t quite sure you want to invest in something else yet.

This isn’t the least expensive option on our list, but it’s safe to say this one is the lowest quality. It’s not good to rely on for long term use.

Buying Guide

After seeing some of the best butane torches available, you might be wondering What would I use a butane torch for? Do I really need one? There are actually a lot of applications for a butane torch. Once you have one, you’ll start to wonder how you ever lived without it. There are ways to use a butane torch all around the house. Here are some examples:

Use crack and joint filler and a butane torch to fix cracks in your driveway

Loosen rusted nuts and bolts

Warm a frozen lock

Burn weeds coming up between cracks in walkways or sidewalks

Get a vintage aged effect on wood or metal

Melting cheese

Use as you would a heat gun to strip paint or varnish

Make jewelry

Thaw frozen water pipes

Caramelizing creme brulee

As you can see, butane torches are a very versatile tool. Here’s what you need to consider when buying one.

1. Burning Time

Burning time varies greatly from torch to torch. It will depend on how much fuel it can hold, whether or not it leaks, and how efficiently the torch uses it. Burn times vary from about a half hour or so all the way up to two hours. Some people have even claimed to get up to four hours.

Burning time only matters in relation to what you’re going to use your butane torch for. If you’re only going to be using it in the kitchen, a short burning time is probably good enough. But, if you are planning on taking it to work to fix something more significant and it won’t be convenient to refill the fuel, you want to make sure you get the longest burning time possible.

2. Important Features

There are a handful of features that will make your butane easier or safer to use.

Tips – Various tips are available for butane torches. Sometimes, they even come included with the torch in a kit. The tips change the shape of the flame and how it’s dispersed so make sure it can do the job you need it to in the right way.

Fuel gauge – Lets you keep an eye on how much fuel is left so you don’t run out while working.

Flame adjustment – This will give you complete control over how big or small you want the flame to be for the job at hand.

Design – You want something lightweight with a comfortable handle so that it’s easy to hold and control.

Instant power switch – Having a torch that can be ignited with the simple push of a button makes it a lot easier to use.

3. Safety

Anytime you’re working with fire or flame, there are obvious safety concerns. Some torches come with some safety features included, such as:

Safety Locks – This is a very important feature for new users or anyone who has young children in their home. It prevents the torch from accidentally being activated.

A reliable Igniter – You want a reliable igniter because, that way, you won’t have to worry about lighting the torch yourself. It’s a lot less dangerous to push a button to start the flame than it is to do it yourself by holding a match or lighter up to the gas.

Use the right tools for the right job – You don’t want to use the wrong tip or the wrong kind of torch because it could be dangerous. For example, some torches are only meant to be used in professional or industrial settings and shouldn’t be used in the home.

Other safety concerns to consider:

Never point the tip of the torch towards your face. Some people like to use these torches to light cigars. It’s exceptionally dangerous to do this by aiming the torch at your face. A better way is to aim the torch parallel to your face and insert the cigar into the flame.

Have a fire extinguisher close by, just in case.

Keep in a safe place. Never keep your torch anywhere a small child or pet can get to it.

Store fuel appropriately, separate from the torch.

Conclusion

A butane torch is a great tool to have around the house for repairs, cooking, and even arts and crafts. There are a lot of different torches to choose from, and the first step to picking one is to figure out what you want to use it for. Once you’ve picked the one that will work best for you, you’ll keep finding new ways to use it. They really are a very versatile tool.

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